Concerns over the potential for a new public realm scheme in Warwick Avenue to exacerbate existing problems with rats and rodents, as well as attract more rough sleepers, were raised at a recent council meeting.
The Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday, April 20, 2026, to review a call-in regarding the Warwick Avenue Public Realm Scheme – Design and Implementation. While the committee ultimately decided to take no further action, allowing the Cabinet Member's decision to be implemented, several councillors voiced significant concerns.
Beyond financial considerations, the potential for unintended consequences was a key point of discussion. Councillors raised fears that the addition of new benches could increase the number of rough sleepers in an area already experiencing this issue. Furthermore, concerns were voiced about the scheme's potential to worsen the existing problem with rats and rodents, with questions about what plans were in place to mitigate this risk.
Despite these concerns, the committee noted that the scheme had been reviewed by the Metropolitan Police's Designing Out Crime Unit. The unit did not raise substantial objections to the proposed layout, lighting, or seating plans. However, the Designing Out Crime Team did provide specific feedback regarding the bench design, supporting the inclusion of armrests to deter rough sleeping. No other specific objections or concerns were detailed by the unit.
The committee was presented with a report detailing the scheme's objectives, which include rebalancing the street in favour of pedestrians and cyclists, introducing greening and sustainable drainage, and improving lighting and streetscape quality. The scheme plans to Introduce meaningful greening and climate resilient infrastructure including ten new trees, overall 280sqm of new green areas and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) to reduce surface water flood risk and improvements (providing over 650 sqm catchment area and contributing to strategic flood resilience) to the station ventilation shaft to integrate it more positively into the street scene, delivering environmental benefits alongside visual uplift.
The scheme is also intended to enhance walking and cycling connections.
Ultimately, the committee voted by a margin of four to three to take no further action, allowing the Cabinet Member's decision to proceed. Councillors Lorraine Dean and Melvyn Caplan declared interests as ward members for Little Venice, and Councillor Ralu Oteh-Osoka declared an interest as a member of the Parochial Church Council of St Saviours Church in Warwick Avenue.
